Compass: Parts & Purpose “Mad Map Relay” Pre-Visitation Activity
Time: 20 minutes
Grades: 3 – 12
Activity Summary: Students attending the Desert Outdoor Center field trip will be using a Silva Starter compass during the Mad Map Relay class. This is similar to what is seen on worksheet. The worksheet prepares students for class by being able to identify parts of a compass and understand its navigational purpose.
Goal: To identify parts of a compass and understand its navigational purpose.
Reference: n.a. Compass Parts and Purpose. Eagle Bluff. 2009. www.eagle-bluff.org. September 10, 2013.
Directions: Label each compass part that arrows point to below. Use the following names and definitions:
Base Plate – A hard, flat surface located at bottom of compass. The dial is mounted on this. This is placed on palm of hand when holding a compass. Compass Dial – A ring with degrees 0 to 360 etched on the outer edges. Direction of Travel Arrow – This arrow is located on front of base plate. It points to the way you will be traveling after a bearing is set. Orienteering Arrow - This arrow is located on floor of compass dial beneath magnetic needle. It rotates as dial is turned. This arrow is used when aligning a compass to a map. Magnetic Needle – A magnetized piece of medal floating in compass dial. The red end of arrow always points north and the white end of arrow always points south. Orienteering Lines - A series of parallel lines located on floor of compass dial. These lines are used when aligning a compass to a map. Ruler in Inches: This is etched into the front of base plate and is useful when measuring distances on a map.
ANSWERS:
Ruler
Direction of Travel Arrow
Orienteering Arrow
Base Plate
Magnetic Needle
Compass Dial
Orienteering Lines